Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Very Happy
If you can’t change people and still want to make money, it’s certainly not easy.
But these challenges are only daunting for ordinary folks; Qu Fulan is no ordinary person, especially when it comes to business—her modern-day bosses have praised her.
So Qu Fulan pondered for a moment, then said, "I can’t answer the Princely Heir’s question right now. I need to visit other restaurants around Zhaoying Building to sample their food before I can offer accurate advice and analysis."
Business concepts are generally similar, but the specifics require detailed analysis—like how she didn’t know the service staff would be lacking and the food wouldn’t taste good.
Failing to meet the two basic requirements of running a restaurant, it’s no wonder there’s no profit.
Moreover, almost all the service staff at Zhaoying Building are descendants of old soldiers, with entire families working in various roles akin to a "family business," which is the most troublesome kind of enterprise, difficult to manage and control in terms of service, naturally falling short of others that are well-planned.
But this doesn’t mean Zhaoying Building is beyond saving. If it were someone else, it might be hopeless, but she has some strategies—after she understands the situation of other places.
Only by knowing yourself and knowing your opponents can you win every battle.
"Taste testing?" Pei Ji’an’s handsome eyebrows furrowed.
Qu Fulan thought he didn’t want her to go out for taste testing because she was merely a maid—how could she have such a privilege?
"If that’s not possible, the Princely Heir can have someone pack the food and bring it back for me to taste. I need to sample other places’ food flavors to determine the direction for improvement, right?"
In truth, it’s best for her to personally visit, to observe their service and gather comprehensive information to better leverage strengths against weaknesses.
She didn’t articulate these thoughts, as a maid having such demands would be inappropriate.
The Princely Heir half-squinted his eyes, "Do you have culinary skills?"
His focus was indeed peculiar; wasn’t it more crucial to be concerned with business management at this moment? Is her culinary skill the focal point?
Yet, one must acknowledge the Princely Heir’s high sensitivity—she hadn’t mentioned her culinary skills from start to finish, yet he inferred her ability to cook from her few words.
Otherwise, while an expert in tasting can suggest improvements, it doesn’t ensure they can replicate the desired flavor when cooking themselves.
Similarly, to speak so confidently implies she must be quite assured.
"...I know a little bit." Qu Fulan modestly replied.
"What’s your specialty dish?" he asked.
Curry beef, stone-pot bibimbap, hot dry noodles, snail rice noodles, etc.
But can she reveal that? Clearly not, at least not now.
"I know how to make some ordinary home-cooked dishes, nothing particularly exceptional." She continued modestly.
"I’ll have to taste your cooking someday." He said.
While discussing how to save the business at Zhaoying Building, another scene unfolded over there.
After the Princely Heir left, Lianhua’s mother, Huang, pulled her daughter aside to talk.
"Did the Princely Heir agree to let you work in the manor?" Huang looked concerned.
Lianhua shook her head, feeling heavy-hearted, "I tried probing with a question, but the Princely Heir didn’t agree. You know how strict he is about his rules, keeping only one person by his side. Now that he has someone, it won’t be easy for me to get in."
Huang sighed upon hearing this, "If you could get into such a place, you’d live a life of endless luxury and wouldn’t have to endure hardship by exposing yourself like us outside."
These words sounded a bit greedy, without the Princely Heir, they wouldn’t even have a decent place to stay, let alone a means to support themselves.
Clearly, people are always striving for more, continually longing for even better after achieving some security.
"But since the Princely Heir says he likes your cooking; make sure you cook for him whenever he visits, perhaps there will be a turn for the better." Huang said.
Lianhua felt a bit dejected, "But the Princely Heir only visits occasionally and irregularly. I hardly get the chance to cook for him even if I want to."
Huang sighed again, realizing there’s nothing they can do about the Princely Heir’s whereabouts, which is beyond their control.
The next day, before dawn, the Princely Heir had already left, and Qu Fulan only learned of his departure upon waking.
She thought the matter discussed the day before would be delayed again, but as soon as she stepped out, Shi Yi came over, clasped his hands, "The Princely Heir instructed us to accompany Miss Qu on her outing for food tasting."
The four major guards are code-named by numbers: Shi Yi, Shi Er, Shi San, Shi Si.
Qu Fulan didn’t know how skilled they were in martial arts, but she had noticed them guarding Lixiang Courtyard since she first arrived.
She thought they were specially assigned to protect Lixiang Courtyard’s security or tasked with safeguarding the Princely Heir, but she didn’t expect them to protect her?
Isn’t this treatment a bit excessive?
Qu Fulan was certainly delighted to go out, but as a maid, being accompanied by four guards—all elite guards of the Princely Heir—didn’t it seem a bit too ostentatious?
Yet, greater pomp was in store.
Shi Yi said, "The Princely Heir also instructed Miss Hai Xia to accompany you; she is the maid, and you are the master."
Qu Fulan almost doubted her ears, "What did you say?"
Shi Yi maintained a blank expression, straightforwardly, "You heard correctly. To avoid unnecessary trouble, this is the best approach."
Qu Fulan realized that indeed, this was the best way—protecting a "master" is far less conspicuous than blatantly protecting a maid.
Even Hai Xia was shocked upon understanding the reason, but due to the presence of the four guards, she dared not utter a word and waited till they entered Qu Fulan’s room before speaking in astonishment, "Fulan, are you really doing this well now? You can even attract such attention just for going out?"
Compared to her, still an inconspicuous little maid, it was quite pitiful.
Qu Fulan, too, was surprised—the Princely Heir not only had her outfitted for going out with proper attire but also prepared a veiled hat, truly leaving nothing overlooked.
"It’s just for serving the Princely Heir," she explained.
"What task requires you?" Hai Xia questioned; clearly, she wasn’t easy to deceive.
"Eating in North Alley of Chang’an Street." Qu Fulan soberly replied.
Hai Xia, "...Are you joking?"
"Haha, you’ll see when we get there; first, help me with my hair."
She could dress herself, but changing to a different hairstyle required assistance, which was a mutual aid among maids on usual days.
Once she finally finished dressing, Hai Xia scanned Fulan’s entire appearance, rendered speechless by her beauty—someone who inherently didn’t appear like a maid, now slightly dolled up, she couldn’t help but want to address her as "Miss."
Qu Fulan picked up the veiled hat and snapped a finger before Hai Xia, "Stop daydreaming, let’s go."
With guards ensuring safe passage, leaving the manor was smooth and unhindered.
This was Qu Fulan’s first true venture out since her arrival in ancient times.
She was very happy.